Tocco Report: The Recycled Materials Edition 2025-2026

Second Lives: The New Material Logic

Recycled materials have moved from the margins to a global imperative. With the world economy only 7.2% circular, over 90% of raw materials still come from virgin sources—fueling pollution, depletion, and escalating waste crises. Yet from fashion to construction, momentum is shifting. Brands, architects, and regulators are proving that waste can become resource. New targets and innovations are pushing recycled content to the forefront of material strategy.

This report by the Tocco team explores the facts, figures, and frontiers of recycled materials across key industries. We cut through greenwashing to highlight real progress, spotlight urgent gaps, and map out what it takes to close the materials loop for a more circular, resilient economy.